The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is gearing up for its third season and the tournament is slated to begin in February 2025. According to a report in Cricbuzz, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is finalizing arrangements and has shortlisted potential venues for the upcoming edition.
Schedule and format of the tournament
WPL 2025 is expected to start in the first week of February, with the finals likely scheduled for March 8 or 9. This year’s tournament will feature approximately 23 matches, including the league stage, knockouts and the grand final. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)the defending champions, will be looking to retain their title as the competition promises to be another exciting season of women’s cricket.
Places under consideration
For the first time, the tournament could be held in two phases, with Baroda and Lucknow emerging as strong contenders to host the matches. Baroda’s newly opened Kotambi Stadium is said to be the first to host the second phase, including the knockouts and the final. This premier venue has received considerable attention since its inauguration last month for its world-class facilities.
Kotambi Stadium recently hosted India Women’s ODI matches against West Indies as well as several domestic competitions including Ranji Trophy games. To further prepare for the WPL, the Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) will host the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy knockout rounds under floodlights to test the stadium’s readiness.
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Meanwhile, Lucknow has been identified as a potential venue for the first phase of the tournament. The BCCI is reportedly in talks with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) to finalize the arrangements. The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, known for hosting international and IPL matches, is likely to be the chosen ground if the talks materialise.
A new chapter in the history of WPL
The first season of the WPL in 2023 was held entirely in Mumbai, while the 2024 edition was split between Bengaluru and Delhi. With the proposed move to Baroda and Lucknow, the BCCI aims to expand the league’s reach to new venues, giving fans in those cities a chance to experience top-class women’s cricket.
The decision to host WPL 2025 in two phases could also solve logistical challenges and increase fan engagement. By selecting venues with facilities of international standards, the BCCI ensures that the tournament continues to grow and provides world-class conditions to the players.
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.
